Rukhsana is a spirited young journalist working for the Kabul Times in Afghanistan. She also takes care of her mother and her younger brother Jahan. Their quiet and tenuous way of life is shattered with the arrival of a summons for Rukhsana to appear before the infamous Ministry to Promote Virtue and Punish Vice. The Minister, Zorak Wahidi, has two things in mind: to threaten the traditionally anti-Taliban news reporters, and to announce the Taliban's intention to hold a cricket tournament, the winner of which will represent Afghanistan in the International Cricket Club. By the end of the meeting, he has a third desire: Rukhsana's hand in marriage. Driven into hiding and cloistered in a burqua, Rukhsana doesn't despair —- the Minister, without knowing it, has given her a way out.

You won't be able to forget this soaring novel of resilience. Rukhsana's story will remind us what one person —- one woman —- can do to reclaim her voice in the face of brutality and repression. With tenderness and clarity, Timeri shows us how no tyranny is ever absolute when love still exists.

THE TALIBAN CRICKET CLUB is based on the real efforts of the Taliban to gain admission to the International Cricket Council in 2001. Please see this article from the Guardian to read more. With elements of THE KITE RUNNER meets BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, it's a great read